THIS SEASON AT CHLOÉ

As the first French creative director to helm Chloé in decades, anticipation for Natacha Ramsay-Levi ran high. After a confident, focused show, it seems safe to say that Ramsay-Levi is on her way to becoming a beloved icon. The Chloé girl from previous seasons was still present, but with an additional dose of bubbly sparkle. The bohemian, floaty aesthetic we’ve come to expect was still there, but tempered by strong lines, bold prints and contrast top stitching. Of particular interest was the eyes motif that peeked out of abstract and colourful prints, and the designer paid homage to the houses’ archives with horse motifs and painted dresses. Dark snakeskin appeared as a print and covering ankle boots for a glossy, edgier finish. And the shimmering silver and patent black updates to the now iconic Nile crossbody bag? Count us among those who will be first in line. We love this updated vision of the breezy Parisian girl: it’s smart and it’s spotlight worthy. It’s Chloé.

THE CHLOÉ STORY

Egyptian-born, Parisian-adopted Gaby Aghion was an exotic beauty with a free-spirited bohemian character, and was noted as applying her personality to her clothes. Going against the stiff, conservative grain of the 1950s, Aghion produced soft and captivating clothes that really stood out at the time. Revolutionary by nature, she is credited with pioneering off-the-rack clothing and introducing the first ever prêt-à-porter collection under the now iconic Chloé label. A far cry from the couture collections of the time, it set the pace for easier pieces that suited the modern woman’s lifestyle. That contemporary relevance is just as prevalent now, with looks that exemplify effortless elegance and iconic accessories that pretty much every woman is after.